Apollos – “An Eloquent Man”
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesIn Acts 18:24-28, we read of a Jewish Christian by the name of Apollos, born in the Egyptian seaport of Alexandria. According to the inspired writer, Luke, Apollos was “an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures” (Acts 18:24 – KJV). Paul mentions Apollos several times in his first letter to the brethren in Corinth as a fellow laborer highly regarded among the disciples (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:4-6; 1 Corinthians 3:22; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 16:12; Titus 3:13).
Obviously, Apollos knew God’s word and was able to speak and teach the Word enthusiastically and accurately (Acts 18:25). But what does it mean when Luke says Apollos was “an eloquent man?” What qualities does the word “eloquent” suggest to us? The Greek word used in this passage is “logios,” and it gives us the idea of an individual who is “learned; a man of letters, skilled in literature and the arts, especially versed in history and the antiquities; skilled in speech.” Thus, Apollos possessed a great amount of knowledge, and he was able to use that knowledge “mightily” (KJV); “vigorously” (NKJV) convincing others of the Lordship of Christ (Acts 18:28).
Lyman Beecher (a noted denominational speaker), once observed that “eloquence is logic on fire.” That is about as complete a definition of the word as could be packed into a five-word statement. Note that Mr. Beecher’s definition attributes two components to eloquence (1) logic, and (2) fire.
The term, “logic” (which comes to English from the same Greek root as “logios”) implies more than mere knowledge. It indicates an effective and correct use of knowledge. A logical argument proceeds in orderly fashion, is consistent within itself, and builds truth upon truth to reach a sound conclusion. Most of us have heard someone debate an issue and found ourselves thinking, “That gentleman just doesn”™t make sense.” We recognize the absence of logic and reject what is illogical. Logic requires a basis of knowledge.
Most of us couldn’t logically argue with someone about the relative merits of plutonium versus uranium as fuel for a nuclear reactor, because most of us know very little about nuclear physics. However, there are other subjects we can discuss logically, because we have sufficient knowledge about those subjects to converse about them.
Every Christian should not only have enough Bible knowledge to answer for his or her faith (1 Peter 3:15), but every Christian should be continually growing in this knowledge through diligent study (Ephesians 4:15; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:12). It is virtually impossible to convince others of what they should do to render obedience to God, if we aren’t sure ourselves.
As “an eloquent man,” Apollos possessed more than logic – he also had “fire.” He was, Luke says, “fervent in spirit” (Acts 18:25 – NKJV) and spoke “vigorously” when he preached (Acts 18:28 – NKJV). This element of fire is an essential component of the gospel preacher’s successful approach. We recall the words of Jeremiah, even though depressed and discouraged in Jeremiah 20:9 – NKJV:
“Then I said, I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name. But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.”
We recall the apostles, “spoke the word of God with boldness” (Acts 4:31 – NKJV), and it was in part that boldness that made an impression on those who heard them (Acts 4:13). Let’s think about the last time we were convinced by another’s argument. Was that argument expounded to us in indistinct and uncertain tones (1 Corinthians 14:7-8), or with “fervor” and “fire?”
Brethren, we can make the mistake of excluding either component of “eloquence.” If we have logic without fire, we may have the truth, but will never persuade anyone of it. Conversely, if we are all fire and no logic, we may sound wonderful (even convincing), but our words are empty and without value to the hearers (Ephesians 5:6). The most we will do is lead people astray. Let us pray that God continue to raise up eloquent men preaching and teaching the gospel to the world with great fervency and fire!